When it comes to business, there’s no such thing as “made for men” or “made for women.” The best business is the one you choose, commit to, and nurture.
That said, many women naturally look for opportunities that suit their lifestyle, businesses that are flexible, less stressful, and require low investment. This is especially true for women balancing family responsibilities, a job, or personal commitments.
The good news?
You don’t need a huge budget to start. There are plenty of business for ladies with low investment that can be run from home or part-time, while still offering the potential for significant income.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 16 side business ideas for ladies, explaining exactly what each entails and how to start from scratch, even if you’re a complete beginner.
Related Articles:
16 side business ideas for ladies
1. Freelance Writing / Content Creation
What It Is:
Freelance writing involves creating blog posts, articles, marketing copy, or social media content for businesses, websites, and entrepreneurs.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- Flexible working hours
- Can be done from home
- Low startup cost (just a laptop and internet)
How to Start:
- Pick a niche you enjoy e.g., travel, parenting, food, fashion, or tech.
- Create writing samples (you can publish on Medium or a personal blog).
- Join freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer.
- Reach out to small business owners on LinkedIn and offer your services.
2. Virtual Assistant
What It Is:
Virtual assistants help businesses with administrative tasks, email management, data entry, scheduling, social media posting, etc.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- Work from anywhere
- Requires organizational skills, not advanced tech knowledge
How to Start:
- List services you can offer e.g., email handling, travel booking, data entry.
- Create a profile on virtual assistant platforms like Belay, Time Etc, or Upwork.
- Offer part-time assistance to small business owners to gain experience.
3. Social Media Management
What It Is:
Managing social media accounts for businesses, creating engaging posts, and interacting with followers.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- Creative and fun
- Can be done part-time
- Businesses are always looking for affordable social media help
How to Start:
- Learn basic content creation skills (Canva, CapCut). See Top 10 CapCut Alternatives
- Offer free or discounted services to a few clients to build a portfolio.
- Charge monthly fees for account management.
4. Event Planning
What It Is:
Organizing events like birthdays, weddings, conferences, or corporate parties.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- Great for those who love organizing and coordinating
- Can start small and grow into a full business
How to Start:
- Volunteer to help plan events for friends/family.
- Build a contact list of vendors (caterers, decorators, DJs).
- Create a portfolio with pictures from past events.
- Advertise locally and on Instagram/Facebook.
5. Baking / Catering
What It Is:
Making cakes, pastries, snacks, or meals for sale.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- Cooking/baking skills can be turned into income quickly
- Works for both home-based and larger-scale operations
How to Start:
- Master 2–3 recipes first.
- Sell to friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
- Take orders via WhatsApp or Instagram.
- Offer free tasting sessions for marketing.
6. Crafting / Handmade Goods
What It Is:
Creating and selling handmade items like jewelry, bags, candles, or home décor.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- Perfect for creative minds
- Can sell online or at local markets
How to Start:
- Choose a craft you enjoy.
- Buy raw materials in bulk.
- Set up an Instagram shop or sell via Etsy/Jumia.
- Take clear photos to showcase your products.
7. Tutoring
What It Is:
Teaching academic subjects, music, or language skills to students.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- Can be done at home or online
- High demand, especially for core school subjects
How to Start:
- Pick subjects you’re skilled in.
- Offer classes via Zoom or home visits.
- Market in schools, churches, or neighborhood groups.
8. Beauty Services
What It Is:
Providing makeup, hairstyling, nails, or skincare treatments.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- Always in demand for events and daily grooming
- Can start from home
How to Start:
- Take a short beauty course.
- Buy basic equipment (brushes, hair tools, nail kits).
- Offer services to friends/family at discounted rates.
- Promote with before-and-after photos online.
9. Dropshipping
What It Is:
Selling products online without keeping inventory, items are shipped directly from the supplier to the customer.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- No need for a warehouse
- Low startup cost
How to Start:
- Choose a niche (fashion, gadgets, beauty products).
- Partner with a supplier from platforms like AliExpress.
- Set up an online store with Shopify or Flutterwave Store.
- Promote products on social media. See how to start a dropshipping business
10. Personal Training / Coaching
What It Is:
Helping clients reach fitness or personal development goals.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- Can focus on fitness, life coaching, or career guidance
- Growing demand for online coaching
How to Start:
- Get certified (optional but adds credibility).
- Offer free group sessions to attract clients.
- Use WhatsApp groups, Instagram Live, or Zoom for training.
11. Pet Sitting / Walking
What It Is:
Taking care of pets when owners are busy or away.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- Great for animal lovers
- Flexible schedule
How to Start:
- Offer services to pet owners in your area.
- Post ads in vet clinics or pet supply stores.
- Expand by adding grooming or training.
12. Daycare
What It Is:
Taking care of children while parents are at work.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- High demand in urban areas
- Can start from home with proper safety measures
How to Start:
- Check local regulations for childcare services.
- Child-proof your space and get basic toys/books.
- Offer competitive rates to start.
13. Laundry Services
What It Is:
Washing, ironing, and folding clothes for customers.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- Everyday need
- Can start small from home
How to Start:
- Get basic equipment, washing machine, ironing board, detergents.
- Offer pick-up and delivery to stand out.
- Target busy professionals in your area.
14. Blogging
What It Is:
Running a website and publishing articles on a specific niche, then monetizing through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- Can turn hobbies into income
- Passive income potential
How to Start:
- Pick a niche you love.
- Start a blog on WordPress or Blogger. See how to start a Blog
- Publish helpful articles consistently.
- Monetize with Google AdSense or affiliate links.
15. Affiliate Marketing
What It Is:
Promoting other people’s products and earning a commission on each sale.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- Works with blogging, social media, or YouTube
- No need to create your own products
How to Start:
- Choose a niche with products people buy often.
- Join affiliate programs like Awin Affiliate, FanFuel, Amazon Associates.
- Promote products via blog, Instagram, or WhatsApp groups. Read Where To Promote Affiliate Links for Free
16. Realtor
What It Is:
Helping people buy, sell, or rent properties.
Why It Works for Ladies:
- Commission-based, so earning potential is high
- Flexible schedule
How to Start:
- Get licensed if required in your area.
- Partner with an established agency to learn the ropes.
- Build a network of property owners and buyers.
FAQ
1. What is the best source of income for a housewife?
Freelancing, blogging, affiliate marketing, and online tutoring are great for housewives because they offer flexibility and low startup costs.
2. Which business is most profitable for ladies?
It depends on skills and location, but real estate, baking, beauty services, and affiliate marketing have high earning potential.
3. What is the most successful small business?
Service-based businesses like event planning, daycare, and virtual assistance often have low costs but high demand.
4. What business can a stay-at-home mom start in Nigeria?
Baking, tailoring, online tutoring, laundry services, and dropshipping are all suitable for stay-at-home moms.
